Unlocked
A taut, socially urgent short drama about a woman caught between her own captivity and another woman's cry for help.
Unlocked - Movie Information
- Original Title: Riha
- Directed by: Arastu Zakia
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 29m
- Original Language: Hindi
- Spoken Languages: English, Hindi
- Production Companies: Empower Labs, In-Synq, Bridge PostWorks
- Production Countries: India
Unlocked - Plot
Zoya Diwan and her 8 year old son are stuck in an abusive marriage with her activist husband, when she is sought out for help by a victim of Triple Talaq.
Unlocked - Trailer
See the story of Zoya Diwan unfold in the official trailer:
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Unlocked - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Arastu Zakia
Main Cast
- Indu Sharma
- Ashwath Bhatt
- Vara Raturi
- Alok Gagdekar
- Naved Aslam
- Ahad Khan
Writers
- Arastu Zakia
- Anup Abraham Parackal
Producers
- Arastu Zakia
- Noopur Chokshi
- Soman Nambiar
Unlocked - FAQs
What is the film Unlocked about?
Unlocked follows Zoya Diwan, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage with her activist husband while raising her young son. When a victim of Triple Talaq seeks her help, Zoya is forced to confront the contradictions between her husband's public advocacy and the private violence she endures at home.
What is Triple Talaq and why does it matter in Unlocked?
Triple Talaq is an Islamic divorce practice in which a husband can instantly dissolve a marriage by uttering the word 'talaq' three times. In Unlocked, a victim of this practice seeks Zoya's help, creating a powerful dramatic irony: Zoya herself is trapped in abuse while being asked to advocate for another woman's freedom.
Who directed Unlocked?
Unlocked was directed by Arastu Zakia, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Anup Abraham Parackal and served as one of the film's producers. The project reflects Zakia's commitment to socially engaged storytelling centered on gender, human rights, and Muslim identity in contemporary India.
Who plays the lead role in Unlocked?
Indu Sharma plays Zoya, the film's central character. The supporting cast includes Ashwath Bhatt as Mirza, Vara Raturi as Ayesha, Alok Gagdekar as Nayeem, Naved Aslam as Mukul, and Ahad Khan as Rayaan.
Does Unlocked address domestic violence and human rights?
Yes. Domestic violence and human rights are at the heart of Unlocked. The film examines how abuse can persist even within households where one partner publicly champions social justice, exposing the gap between activist rhetoric and lived reality — particularly for Muslim women navigating gender inequality in India.
How long is the film Unlocked?
Unlocked has a runtime of 29 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brevity, the narrative covers substantial emotional and thematic ground, weaving together domestic abuse, religious law, and female solidarity within a tightly constructed dramatic framework.
What genre is Unlocked?
Unlocked is a drama. It draws on social realist traditions to explore themes of domestic violence, gender inequality, and religious law in an Indian Muslim context, prioritizing emotional authenticity and moral complexity over genre spectacle.
What are similar films to Unlocked?
Viewers who appreciate Unlocked may also enjoy London River (2009), which explores Muslim identity and grief in the UK, Four Lions (2010), a provocative look at British Muslim radicalization, and Blonde (2022). Other thematically adjacent titles include Pillbox (2017), An American Rhapsody (2001), and Punch Lady (2007).
More About Unlocked
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